Realism

Definition

Realism is a theoretical perspective in international relations that emphasizes the competitive and conflictual side of international politics. It argues that states act in their national interest, primarily focused on power and security, often leading to a pessimistic view of international cooperation. Realism connects to global governance and humanitarian interventions by framing how states prioritize their own interests over collective actions, highlighting the challenges faced by international organizations in enforcing human rights and responding to crises.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Realism suggests that the international system is anarchic, meaning there is no overarching authority above states, which leads to a self-help system where security is paramount.
2. In realism, the pursuit of national interest often overrides moral considerations, making it difficult for states to commit to humanitarian interventions if they threaten their own security.
3. Realist theorists argue that cooperation among states is often temporary and driven by immediate interests rather than long-term ethical commitments.
4. The realist perspective can explain why international organizations struggle to enforce human rights; states may prioritize their sovereignty and strategic interests over compliance with international norms.
5. Realism has influenced foreign policy decisions throughout history, often justifying military interventions or non-intervention based on perceived national interests.

Review Questions

• How does realism explain the reluctance of states to engage in humanitarian interventions?
  • Realism posits that states are primarily motivated by their own national interests, which often leads to a reluctance to engage in humanitarian interventions. When a state's security or strategic interests are at risk, they may choose not to intervene in humanitarian crises, viewing such actions as potentially harmful to their power or stability. This self-interested behavior can result in a lack of global cooperation when it comes to addressing human rights violations or humanitarian disasters.
• Discuss the implications of realism for the effectiveness of international organizations in promoting global governance.
  • Realism highlights significant challenges for international organizations in promoting global governance. Since states prioritize their own interests and power over collective action, these organizations often find it difficult to enforce regulations or norms that require state compliance. This struggle stems from the realist belief that states view international cooperation with skepticism, leading to selective engagement based on how actions align with their national interests rather than genuine commitment to global governance.
• Evaluate how the realist perspective shapes contemporary debates about human rights and state sovereignty in global politics.
  • The realist perspective shapes contemporary debates about human rights by emphasizing state sovereignty as paramount. Realists argue that intervening in another state's affairs for human rights reasons undermines sovereignty and can destabilize regions. This creates a tension where advocates for human rights must navigate the realist insistence on state autonomy against the moral imperative for intervention. Consequently, realism influences how policymakers balance ethical responsibilities with geopolitical realities, often resulting in prioritizing national interests over human rights commitments.

Related terms

State Sovereignty: The concept that states have the ultimate authority over their own territory and are not subject to external interference in their internal affairs.

Power Politics: The practice of using power as a primary tool in international relations, where nations pursue their interests often at the expense of others.

Balance of Power: A situation in which nations attempt to prevent any one nation from becoming too powerful, thus maintaining stability in the international system.